HomeMy WebLinkAboutECF_4th_Dim_SEPA_190709_v1
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 1 of 14
SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Purpose of checklist: Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your
proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance, minimization
or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if an environmental
impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal.
Instructions for applicants: This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please
answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult
with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use “not applicable” or
"does not apply" only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown.
You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and accurate
answers to these questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the decision-
making process.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of
time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal
or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your
answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant
adverse impact.
Instructions for Lead Agencies:
Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to
evaluate the existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse
impacts. The checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed to
make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is
responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents.
Use of checklist for nonproject proposals: For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable
parts of sections A and B plus the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D). Please
completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words "project," "applicant," and "property or
site" should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and "affected geographic area," respectively. The lead
agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in Part B - Environmental Elements –that do not
contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal.
A. Background [HELP]
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: 4th Dimension Building
2. Name of applicant: 4th Creek Meadows, LLC
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 2 of 14
12505 Bel Red Road, Suite 212, Bellevue, WA 98005, Attn. Hari Ghadia
4. Date checklist prepared: 17 July 2018, Rev. 5/2019
5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Renton
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Const. to begin 10/2019 or as
soon as possible.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. No Plans at this time.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal.
Stormwater Site plan, Harmsen Assoc. 7/2018
Geotechnical Report, Geogroup Northwest, Inc., 5/14/2018
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other
proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain.
City of Renton Building and Grading Permits
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
Building Permit issued by City of Renton
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size
of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to
describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this
page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project
description.)
The project is the construction of a new mixed use building at 4502 NE 4th Street, Renton, WA.
The building will face 4th Street and Bremerton Ave. with pedestrican access from both streets
and vehicle access from Bremerton. The building will house 51 parking spaces within the
building, 34 in the basement and 17 on the ground level. Commercial space will also be at
grade level (+-6,237 sf). The second third and fourth levels will feature 8 two bedroom living
units each, for a total of 24 units. The building will form to the existing topography, utilizing the
existing low spot for the basement parking except where clearance from water storage line is
required. The site is 23,170 sf (0.55ac)
12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise
location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and
range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or
boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic
map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you
are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications
related to this checklist. 4502 NE 4th Street, Renton, WA – APN: 1023059068
B. Environmental Elements [HELP]
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 3 of 14
1. Earth [help] a. General description of the site: Depression at the north-central portion of the lot w/
moderate to steep minor slopes at the north and south sides of the lot. There is an existing
residence to the south with slopes descending towards the depression in the north There
are also several retaining walls on the site
(circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other _____________ b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? There are several
retaining walls on site with near vertical slopes. Steepest vegetated slope is approximately 57%
and man made.
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat,
muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any
agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in
removing any of these soils. – Silty soils and fills overlaying apparent dense and competent
till, gravelly sand and sandy gravel.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe. None Known.
e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of
any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. The purpose of grading
will be to prepare building and access pads. Volumes will involve approximaely 3,500 cy of
fill and 1,500 cy of cut. There is also an expectation that 2,000 cy of existing fill will need to
be removed and replaced with structural material.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Any time that soils is exposed to weather, there is a chance for erosion. Best Management
Practices will be used to limit the threat.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? 89%
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: Best
Management Practices for erosion control will be implemented to stabilize exposed soils,
identify clearing areas, and prevent soil from moving off-site.
2. Air [help] a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction,
operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and
give approximate quantities if known.
Automobiles and typical construction machines will be used during construction.
Automobiles will be present during building operation
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe. None Known
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 4 of 14
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
All engines will be properly maintained so full efficiencies are experienced and emissions
minimized.
3. Water [help] a. Surface Water: [help] 1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including
year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe
type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into. An
upstream storm system flows through the site. This system continues west through
adjacent development and discharges to Maplewood Creek approximately 850 feet from
the site. See Raedeke Technical Memo, dated 25 June 2019.
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described
waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. The project will require
removal of the existing 24” pipe and a new open channel under the building, after which
the 24” pipe will be upsized to 30” from the property line to the existing transition to 30”.
3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed
from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected.
Indicate the source of fill material. None
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. NO
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
No.
6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so,
describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. No
b. Ground Water: [help] 1) Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so,
give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities
withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No.
2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or
other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the
following chemicals. . . ; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 5 of 14
number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the
number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. None anticipated
c. Water runoff (including stormwater): 1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection
and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow?
Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. Source of site runoff is direct
precipitation. Runoff will be collected, 20% of the site will be directed to a pair of
raingardens, the remaining pollution generating runoff will flow through a pre-
manufactured treatment system providing for enhanced treatment, and then all of the
runoff will be detained in an underground vault below the lower parking level. Conceptual
volumes are included in the preliminary Technical Information Report.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. The
proposed treatment measure will prevent the discharge of pollutants.
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If
so, describe. The proposal will reroute enlarge an existing culvert that carries upstream
flow through the site. However, the flow will discharge from the site in the same location
it currently does.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage
pattern impacts, if any: Storm drainage will follow the requirements of the 2017 City of Renton
Surface Water Design Manual.
4. Plants [help] a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:
_X__deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
____evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
_X__shrubs
_X__grass
____pasture
____crop or grain
____ Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops.
____ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
____water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
____other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
All vegetation will be removed and new will be installed.
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 6 of 14
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. None Known.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
vegetation on the site, if any: Native plants will be utilized. A full landscape plan has been
prepared which shows the extent of of the landscape proposal.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
The site has numberous blackberry plants.
5. Animals [help] a. List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known
to be on or near the site.
Examples include: birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other ________
None Known
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. None Known.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. No
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: None proposed.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. None known.
6. Energy and Natural Resources [help] a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet
the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating,
manufacturing, etc. Electricity for power, heat and cooling. Possibly natural gas f or heat.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties?
If so, generally describe. Not anticipated. The building may create shade on adjacent site to
east certain times of day / year.
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 7 of 14
c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal?
List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any: Full compliance
with WA Energy Code.
7. Environmental Health [help] a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk
of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal?
If so, describe. None Anticipated
1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
None Known
2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development
and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines
located within the project area and in the vicinity. None Known.
3) Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced
during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating
life of the project. None Anticipated. A nominal amount of fuel will be on site to
operate construction equipment.
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. No special services
should be necessary.
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
Building Management will have operational measures to limit and control
hazards.
b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)? None
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a
short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indi-
cate what hours noise would come from the site.
Construction equipment will be utilized during construction in conformance with Renton
noise standards.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: The project will comply
with all City of Renton ordinances and standards.
8. Land and Shoreline Use [help]
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 8 of 14
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current
land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe.
The site is currently unoccupied. One residence was previously occupied. The
surrounding properties are either commercial or residential per zoning. The proposal is for the
site to remain residential and have some commercial. The use will not impact neighbors.
b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe.
How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to
other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated,
how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or
nonforest use? No
1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal
business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides,
tilling, and harvesting? If so, how: The project will not be affected nor have and affect.
c. Describe any structures on the site. Existing residence at south end of property.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? Yes – existing residence.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? CA
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? CMU
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? None
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify.
No
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
Commercial – Work – 10+ people
Residential – Reside – 24-60 people
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? Zero
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: None, no displacement
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 9 of 14
L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
uses and plans, if any: The project is designed to be consistent with City requirements
pertaining to land use.
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long -term
commercial significance, if any: None. There are no agricultural or forest lands in the vicinity.
9. Housing [help] a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, mid-
dle, or low-income housing. 24 - Middle
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing. – 1 - Middle
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: None, project improves
housing.
10. Aesthetics [help]
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is
the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? The highest point will be 60’ above
average grade. The exterior will have cementitious siding and panels, exposed CMU and
Concrete
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? None anticipated.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: The exterior design,
finishes and color selection will be that of a high quality project.
11. Light and Glare [help] a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur? Walkway lighting will light the ground at night.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? No.
All light will be directed toward the ground or building and be shielded to avoid spillage.
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? None Known
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 10 of 14
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: Exterior lighting will
be directed downward and be shielded to minimize offsite impacts.
12. Recreation [help]
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
Heather Downs Park
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. No
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: None proposed.
13. Historic and cultural preservation [help] a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years
old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers ? If so,
specifically describe. No
b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation?
This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts,
or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies
conducted at the site to identify such resources. None
c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources
on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of
archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc.
None Proposed.
d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance
to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required.
No measures proposed.
14. Transportation [help] a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and
describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.
The site is served by NE 4th Street and Bremerton Ave NE.
b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally
describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop?
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 11 of 14
There is a bus stop on NE 4th Street on the same block as the subject property.
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal
have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
The project will have 51 parking spaces. The existing residence has two spaces which
will be eliminated.
d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian,
bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe
(indicate whether public or private). NE 4th Street and Bremerton Ave will receive new
improvements where adjacent to property, including paving, curbs and gutters, sidewalks
and landscaping
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe. No
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal?
If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would
be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation
models were used to make these estimates? 277 Average Daily Trips. See TIA Report by
Gibson Traffic
g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and
forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe. No
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: No measures have
been taken. We do not expect any transportation related impacts from our project.
15. Public Services [help]
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection,
police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe. None
Anticipated.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. The
building will have fire sprinklers which will be an aid to the fire department.
16. Utilities [help] a. Circle utilities currently available at the site:
electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system,
other ___________
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 12 of 14
c. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service,
and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might
be needed.
Electricity, Gas, Water, Sewer, Telephone, Trash.
C. Signature [HELP] The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the
lead agency is relying on them to make its decision.
Signature: __
_________________________________________________
Name of signee ____Martin J. Reimers________________________________
Position and Agency/Organization ___Principal__________________________
Date Submitted: __5/28/2019___________
D. Supplemental sheet for nonproject actions [HELP]
(IT IS NOT NECESSARY to use this sheet for project actions) Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction
with the list of the elements of the environment. When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of
activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or
at a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in
general terms.
1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; pro-
duction, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise?
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 13 of 14
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life?
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are:
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:
4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or
areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks,
wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or
cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands?
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it
would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans?
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public
services and utilities?
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 14 of 14
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or
requirements for the protection of the environment.